Finally, my labored breathing caught their attention. Nate turned, his brow furrowing as he took in my pale face and the way I clutched at my throat.

“Ariel? Are you...?” His eyes widened with sudden horror. “Are you having an allergic reaction?”

Morgan’s earlier frustration melted into shock. “You... are you allergic to mango?”

I managed a weak nod, sinking against the counter as my airway tightened, making every breath a struggle.

Demi, sensing the shift, widened her eyes in feigned shock, though I caught a flicker of satisfaction before she masked it with wide-eyed innocence.

“Oh, Ariel, I had no idea you were allergic.” she gasped, looking perfectly distressed. “You never told me anything about it.”

She shook her head as if deeply regretful. “I thought you would love it, so I added mango. I’m so, so sorry.”

Here she was again, pretending she did not know. Since that was not actually even the first time she had done that.

I remembered the day she had handed me a glass of dragon fruit juice, only to learn later she had mixed it with mango. She had deliberately used dragon fruit to disguise the color, making me think it was safe.

Demi knew everything about me, about my weaknesses, about my allergies, and about how deadly mango could be to someone like me. And here she was, lying again, right in front of Nate and Morgan.

But I did not have the energy to fight, to argue, or to expose her. My body was already shutting down, and if one of them had held a knife at that moment, I would have surrendered, too tired to resist.

“What should we do?” Demi cried, bringing her hands to her face and starting to sob. She even slapped herself lightly, as if blaming herself. “It’s all my fault! I always make Ariel suffer.”

Morgan immediately pulled her into his arms, holding her as if she were the one in pain. “It’s okay, Demi. Don’t do this to yourself,” he murmured, gently stroking her hair to calm her down.

Nate joined in, his voice soft and reassuring. “The ambulance is on its way, Demi. Ariel will be fine. You did not know about it, so you don’t need to blame yourself.”

Morgan nodded, hugging her tighter. “Exactly, Demi. You did nothing wrong. Calm down, okay?”

Demi sobbed into his chest, clinging to him like a frightened child, and I could only watch, feeling as though I were being erased from my own life.

My vision blurred as memories surfaced, memories of when Morgan and Nate had been my defenders, my friends.

When we were children, kids at school would tease me, calling me “the unwanted girl” because my mother had left. So, I would be left in tears, only to have Morgan and Nate step in to protect me.

“Ariel is a princess,” Morgan would say defiantly, hugging me as I cried. “A gem we will protect no matter what, so stop teasing her, you bullies!”

Nate would stand beside me too, ready to take on anyone who dared insult me.

They were my bodyguards, my childhood heroes, and the friends who saw me through every hardship. But then, as my breath grew fainter, they were the ones turning their backs on me, charmed by Demi, a devil with an angel’s face.

My body felt heavier and the world around me fading as darkness crept in.

I barely registered the sound of the ambulance arriving or the feeling of being lifted onto a stretcher.

But my last glimpse before passing out was Nate and Morgan standing beside Demi, holding her hands to comfort her as she sniffled, looking away from me as though I were nothing more than an afterthought.

“Have you really changed that much, Nate? Morgan?” I wondered silently, despair filling my heart as I finally succumbed to the darkness.

**

When I woke, the sterile white ceiling of a hospital room greeted me.

I had spent countless days in rooms like that for treatments, so that the smell of antiseptic, the soft hum of medical equipment, and the feel of the IV in my arm were my constant companions.

That time, though, a wave of relief washed over me. I was alive, safe, and breathing.

But as I came fully awake, the memories of what had happened flooded back, and tears filled my eyes.

I could have died. Demi’s cake could have been the end of me.

If I had not woken up, I would not have been able to leave, to go to Warlington and finally find peace with my mother.

As I cried, the door opened, and my doctor rushed in, alarmed by my tears.

“Ariel, are you in pain? What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice gentle as he approached, knowing me well after years of caring for me.

I shook my head, trying to stifle my sobs. “No, nothing hurts, Doc. I just... I thought I might not make it this time.” My voice wavered, but as I explained, he listened patiently, like an old friend.

Once I had calmed, I told him about my decision to leave for Warlington to be with my mother, the last family I could rely on.

The doctor nodded thoughtfully, a small smile crossing his face.

“Ariel, you nearly gave me a heart attack. I was ready to call your mother myself,” he said with a chuckle, relief softening his eyes.

I managed a weak laugh, wiping away my tears. “Sorry, Doc. I just realized how much I will miss chatting and joking with you once I leave.”

His gaze softened, and he placed a hand on my shoulder. “You don’t need to apologize, Ariel. And I think this will be good for you. You need your mother now, more than ever.”

He paused, as if gathering his thoughts. “I will tell a colleague in Warlington to look after you. You will be in good hands, I promise.”

“Thank you, Doc,” I whispered, grateful beyond words. We chatted a little longer before he left, and I drifted into a restful sleep.

**

Even as I recovered in the hospital, I began preparing for my departure.

I secretly arranged for Jerome to handle the sale of my home, instructing him to sell it quickly, even at a lower price.

But Jerome, always one step ahead, managed to find a buyer willing to pay more. What was more, he was a former colleague of my father’s who respected our family’s legacy.

So, I thanked him deeply, grateful for his support.

Shortly before I was discharged, a message from Morgan and Nate appeared in our group chat. Demi had clearly informed them of the house sale, and they were not pleased.

[Morgan: Ariel, don’t you think selling the house over a minor allergy incident is a bit extreme?]

[Nate: If you're feeling down, come with us on a trip. We can take a break together. It will help you feel better.]

I read their message slowly, marveling at how easily they brushed aside everything that had happened. No apology, no inquiry about my health; only concern about the house sale and how my departure might impact Demi.

Moments later, Demi posted another update on social media, a perfectly staged photo of her crying, paired with a caption that made my stomach turn.

She wrote, [What should I do now? My cousin seemed so mad at me until she sold the house I stayed in. Where should I go now?]

I stared at her words, seething. I knew it was her way of ensuring that Morgan and Nate would rally around her, misled into believing I had sold the house solely out of spite. And judging by their messages, it worked.

They seemed genuinely worried, completely misunderstanding my reasons for leaving Stanmore. Although, in truth, I did want to be as far away from Demi as possible.

Taking a steadying breath, I typed a response to our group chat, my fingers moving calmly despite the numbness in my heart.

[Ariel: I'm buying a camper van to make it easier for me to travel the world. Demi can stay with you both until she finishes college. After all, it seems like she's always in danger when she's with me, right? This is for the best.]

A pause followed, and I could almost feel the reluctance in their eventual replies, which held a grudging acceptance.

That was the confirmation I had been waiting for. My well-being no longer mattered to them; their sole concern was Demi.

I looked at the screen, feeling strangely detached, as if I were already gone from their lives.

“Goodbye, Nate. Goodbye, Morgan,” I whispered, closing the chat window and slipping my phone into my bag.

Once I finished checking everything for my departure, I called a taxi and gave the driver my grandparents’ address.

As the car pulled away from my house, the memories of Stanmore began filling my mind, each place we passed triggering scenes from my life here.

We drove past the small playground where Nate, Morgan, and I had spent endless hours as children, the site of our games and laughter.

Next, we passed the cozy gameboard café, a favorite spot from our college days. We stayed there until closing, refusing to leave until one of us won.

Then we passed the hospital, where I had spent so many days in treatment for my CHD.

I remembered Nate and Morgan visiting me regularly, their presence a steady comfort as they would play games, talk about their day, and distract me from the sterile loneliness of hospital life.

We also passed each of my schools, then the university where me, Nate, and Morgan had encouraged one another, reminding each other of class schedules and making time to study together in the student lounge.

My memories of Stanmore were painted with their presence, as if we were inseparable. But the truth told me that it was just a memory.

Then, at the end of our journey, the road turned toward the place where my father had saved Demi, the road where he had suffered the brain hemorrhage that would claim his life.

I closed my eyes, breathing deeply, and decided to let go of those painful memories. When I opened my eyes again, we were beyond the city limits.

An hour later, we arrived at my grandparents’ house. I had informed them of my visit, so they were waiting outside, seated comfortably in their rocking chairs, cups of coffee in hand as they enjoyed their usual morning ritual.

The butler, Alfonzo, promptly stepped forward to open my taxi door.

“Miss Johnson, it’s a pleasure to see you again,” Alfonzo greeted me with a respectful smile.

I stepped out of the car, smiling warmly. “Thank you, Alfonzo.”

I walked up the porch steps and immediately went to my grandparents, hugging my grandfather first. He had been my mentor, teaching me about business, guiding me in jewelry design, and regularly sending me support, even in the most difficult times.

Then I hugged my grandmother, who had been my constant companion after my mother left for Warlington, teaching me to cook and bake, even if I had never quite mastered it.

“Grandpa, Grandma, I missed you both so much. How have you been?”

Grandpa grinned, patting my hand. “As you can see, we’re still healthy as ever and feeling younger each day,” he said with a wink.

Grandma laughed, giving him a playful nudge. “Oh, your grandpa and his jokes.”

Then she looked at me warmly. “Ariel, we have prepared all your favorite dishes. Come inside, let’s enjoy lunch together.”

“Of course. I can’t wait,” I said, feeling a warmth in my heart as I followed them inside.

We chatted at the dining table, savoring the meal, laughter and stories filling the air.

Finally, I took a deep breath and shared the reason for my visit, telling them about my mother’s hospitalization and my decision to leave for Warlington.

My grandparents listened intently, sadness touching their expressions, but they nodded in understanding.

Grandma reached over, holding my hand tightly. “Ariel, we understand, but it’s hard to see you go so suddenly. We will miss you terribly.”

I squeezed her hand, my voice gentle. “I promise I will come back to visit every year, Grandma. And I will stay as long as I can each time.”

Tears glistened in her eyes as she smiled. “Please do. Let us know ahead of time so we can prepare your room. You can stay overnight and make the visit longer.”

Grandpa joined in, his voice teasing but full of love. “And don’t come alone next time. Bring your husband and children to fill this house with even more joy.”

Grandma swatted him playfully. “Don’t push her, honey. Let Ariel take her time.”

He chuckled, unfazed. “It’s just a wish. There’s nothing wrong with hoping for a little more family around here.”

I watched them, admiration filling me. After more than fifty years of marriage, they were still so in love, so playful and supportive.

I hoped, one day, to find that kind of bond, that unwavering connection that could weather any storm.

After lunch, we took a walk around the garden, talking and laughing, cherishing our time together.

As the sun began to dip, casting warm colors across the sky, it was time for me to leave.

My flight was scheduled for later that night, so I had planned to say my goodbyes in the quiet of the afternoon and make my way to the airport in peace.

But as I was about to step into the taxi, I heard familiar voices and turned to see Nate and Morgan pulling into the driveway, with Demi in tow.

Demi immediately ran forward, throwing herself into our grandparents’ arms with a bright smile. “Grandpa, Grandma, I missed you both so much!”

As the youngest among us, Demi had always been doted on by our grandparents, who greeted her with warm smiles. Yet their eyes were still rimmed with red from the sadness of my leave, a detail that tugged painfully at my heart.

I had hoped to share the moment quietly with them, to give a final goodbye without the weight of an audience. But seeing Demi cozied up to them, soaking up the attention, made my exit feel even lonelier.

Nate, noticing the redness around my own eyes, frowned with suspicion. “Ariel, have you been crying?”

I quickly looked away, hoping to dodge the question. “It’s nothing,” I replied, forcing a light tone.

Before I could continue, Morgan approached, having just finished parking the car. Concern etched into his face and he looked at me closely.

“Why have you been going off without saying anything to us lately, Ariel?” he asked, a hint of reproach in his voice. “We could have come along.”

I gave him a polite smile, trying to keep things simple. “I didn’t want to bother you guys.”

Demi turned to our grandparents; her face full of curiosity. “Grandma, Grandpa, why do your eyes look so red?”

Grandma’s lips pursed, and she chose not to answer. Meanwhile, Grandpa forced a gentle smile, trying to lighten the moment.

“Why don’t you all come inside and stay for dinner?” he suggested. “You came all this way, after all.”

Demi’s eyes lit up, and she quickly looped her arm through Nate’s and Morgan’s, excitement sparkling in her gaze. “Yes, let’s have dinner together!”

I turned back to the taxi, gripping the door handle and ready to make my quiet exit. But Nate reached out, stopping me before I could get inside.

“Come on, Ariel,” he urged, his tone softening. “It’s just one meal. Join us.”

Morgan added with a nod, “It’s been ages since we all sat down together. Don’t leave like this.”

I held their gazes for a moment, my heart heavy with a sadness I couldn’t shake. “Thanks, guys, but I really need to go. My flight is already close,” I said, my voice steady.

Thankfully, Grandpa stepped in, coming to my rescue.

“Right, Ariel has to get to the jewelry show soon, so she really can’t stay,” he said with a gentle smile. “And we all had lunch together, so don’t worry about her.”

I smiled gratefully at my grandfather, who gave me a reassuring wink. He understood, and his support meant the world to me.

‘I love you so much, Grandpa,’ I thought as I closed the door.

The taxi pulled away, and I waved to my grandparents, but as I glanced back, I caught sight of Demi chatting easily with Nate and Morgan, as if she had always belonged there.

**

When I reached the airport,I learned that my flight had been canceled due to bad weather.The airline rescheduled it for the next afternoon,leaving me with an unexpected overnight stay.

I decided to sit down and wait out the hours in the airport,too restless to book a hotel.

I had just settled into a seat when my phone buzzed with an incoming call.

When I saw Demi’s name on it,I sighed,reluctant to answer.I knew she was probably calling to flaunt something,especially if Nate and Morgan were still with her.

But,knowing she was still at my grandparents’house,I reluctantly picked up.

As soon as I pressed the answer button,Demi’s voice bubbled through.“Ariel,Ariel!Guess what?Grandpa said that after I graduate,I can start an internship at his company!Isn’t that amazing?He’s so kind to me.”

I closed my eyes,taking a deep breath to steady myself.‘She’s just calling to show off,’I thought,my annoyance growing.

But I responded with as much neutrality as I could muster.“Congratulations.”

“Oh,and now,”she continued,her excitement bubbling over,“I’m going to be introduced to Nate and Morgan’s families because I might stay with one of them for a while until I graduate.Isn’t that wonderful?I can’t wait to meet them!”

I could faintly hear Nate’s and Morgan’s voices in the background,confirming my suspicion that they were all still together.They must have left my grandparents’house right after dinner.

Morgan’s laugh echoed faintly through the phone.“You’re adorable,Demi.”

Nate chimed in,“Right,why are you so cute?We just offered you a place to stay;it’s no big deal.”

“Hehe,I’m just so happy to know I have somewhere to stay,”Demi replied,her tone laced with what felt like triumph.

I moved the phone away from my ear,ready to hang up,but Demi’s voice stopped me.

“Let us know when you get there,Ariel.Be safe on the road.”She hung up first,leaving me staring at my screen in silence.

I sighed,a hollow ache settling in my heart.“I can’t hope for anything more from them anymore,”I muttered to myself.

Resigned,I let the phone fall into my lap and leaned back in my seat,feeling a strange emptiness.

Just then,a voice called out,breaking through my thoughts.“Ariel?”

I looked up,surprised to see Sasha Blake,my closest female friend from high school.A smile lit up my face as I stood,and we hugged each other tightly.

“Sasha?Oh my God,it’s so good to see you!”I said,unable to contain my excitement.

Sasha,dressed in her flight attendant uniform,returned the hug with equal enthusiasm.“Are you traveling,Ariel?”

“Yeah.Are you just getting off a flight?”I asked,taking in her uniform.

She nodded,glancing out the window where the rain had begun to pour.“Yes,but the next flight got canceled because of the weather,so I’m heading back to my apartment for the night.”

My eyes widened as a sudden realization hit me.“Wait,you’re a flight attendant on the flight to Warlington?”I pulled out my ticket,showing her the flight number.

Sasha’s face lit up with delight.“That’s my flight!Oh,the universe must really want us to meet up.”She laughed,giving me a playful nudge.

“Maybe it does,”I said with a laugh.

Sasha noticed my bags scattered around my feet and glanced back at me with a smile.“Well,since our flight’s been delayed until tomorrow,why don’t you come stay at my apartment?We can head to the airport together tomorrow.”

My spirits lifted instantly.“Are you sure?I would love that.”

“Of course!It’s been forever since we have caught up,”she said,picking up one of my bags as we made our way out of the airport.

The next morning,we decided to grab breakfast at the airport before our flight.Sasha had some last-minute work to handle,so we found a small caféand settled in,chatting over coffee and pastries.

I did not notice if Nate,Morgan,and Demi had been at the table beside us all the time.They even overheard my conversation with Sasha.

“So,are you nervous about leaving Stanmore for good?”Sasha asked,her voice full of genuine interest.

I nodded,meeting her gaze.“A little,but it feels like the right time to move on,to finally say goodbye.”

Nate’s head snapped up at my words,his eyes narrowing as he processed what I had just said.

He quickly approached our table,cutting into our conversation with a glare.“Ariel,you said you were leaving last night.So,what do you mean by leaving Stanmore for good?”His voice held a sharp edge.

“Did you lie to us about the jewelry show and your friend's wedding abroad?You’re just going to leave without a word,are you?”